In honor of January's birthstone, this rosy-hued gemstone from the garnet family that is increasingly gaining popularity in both fine and high-end jewelry. Multiple sightings from playing a star role in Chaumet est une fête collection 2017 haute joaillerie collection to Stenzhorn's cute everyday jewels, Rhodolite garnets are a favorite alternative to the increasingly expensive ruby.
About Rhodolite Garnet - History and Introduction
Rhodolite is the name used to describe the lovely pinkish, purplish or purple-red garnet which is a mixture of Almandite and Pyrope. This rare garnet shows a wonderful velvety red with a fine purple or raspberry colored undertone. This name was first used in the late nineteenth century to describe the new rhododendron shade of garnet discovered in North Carolina.
Unlike the common red garnets which tend towards a very deep red with a brownish secondary hue, rhodolite is lighter and brighter in color. The best Rhodolite Garnet are a rich raspberry that can sometimes resemble the more expensive rubellite tourmaline.
Origin and Sources
The major sources for Rhodolite Garnet Gemstones are India(Odisha), Tanzania and North Carolina, USA. Other sources include Burma (Myanmar), Brazil, China, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), and South Africa.
Cut's
Rhodolite Garnet are usually cut similar to other colored stones, with ovals, cushions, trillions and emerald cuts being most common. Other popular Rhodolite Garnet shapes include rounds, marquises, briolettes, hearts, cabochons and pears. Rhodolite garnet gemstones can be cut into various shapes. They are usually faceted, to maximize their brilliance, though cabochons are also available.
Clarity and Luster
Good quality Rhodolite Garnet gemstones do not have any visible inclusions and exhibit a vitreous luster. Their brilliance is due to a high refractive index.
Rhodolite Garnet Treatment
Rhodolite garnets are not usually treated or enhanced in any way.
Rhodolite Garnet Gemstone and Jewelry Design Ideas
Rhodolite garnet is a versatile gemstone and is ideal for almost any type of jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, hair pins and many other beautiful ornaments. Rhodolite can be worn in silver or gold settings. Silver settings bring out the purple tones and gold settings enhance the rose tones. Rhodolite garnets can also be mixed with clear gemstones such as white sapphire, or other colored gemstones such as topaz, smoky quartz or peridot, to provide a modern contrast of color. The variety of shapes and sizes of rhodolite garnets allow for creative jewelry choices...
